Manning's big weekend of sport

THIS will be a typically diverse weekend of sporting activities in the Manning, although the weather will determine whether some events go ahead or start on time.

The Manning cricket season comes to an end this weekend.

Manning Cricket season's comes to an end with the first grade grand final between United and Wingham scheduled for Chatham Park from 1pm Saturday and Sunday. However, if play is ruled out this weekend the game will be rescheduled for the following weekend.

Second, third and fourth grade grand finals will be at Taree Recreation Centre. Wingham will play Taree West in second grade with Taree-Leagues Wherrol Flat taking on Taree West in third grade. Wingham and Old Bar clash in fourth grade.

Taree Netball Association will host a round of the State League as well as a representative team carnival on Sunday on the all weather courts at Taree Recreation Centre. Domestic competition matches will be played on Saturday.

Rain hail or shine Taree Basketball's popular primary school competition will be played on Saturday from 9am at Saxby's Stadium at Taree Recreation Centre.

There'll be action on the Manning River both days. On Saturday there'll be the regular race conducted by Taree Aquatic Club. The local fleet will be joined by the Sydney-based Historical 10 Foot Skiffs. The visitors will be back for the second race in their regatta on Sunday.

Group Three Rugby League's XX Trophies-sponsored pre-season competition starts this weekend at Wauchope on Saturday and the Jack Neal Oval at Taree on Sunday. The group transferred games from Old Bar to Taree after the Old Bar ground was ruled out because of rain. Matches on Sunday will start at noon and will involve under 18 and first grade sides from Old Bar, Taree City, Wingham and Forster-Tuncurry.

Winners and losers progress to Wingham on Sunday April 6 for the finals.

The first round of the Group Three Junior Rugby League is also set to kick off on Saturday depending on whether fields are open or closed due to the weather.

The Wingham Show will feature a plethora of sporting events, including camp drafting and show jumping along with a chainsaw competition on Sunday.

On Saturday there'll be dressage, team penning and wood chopping while the demolition derby is timed to get away from 4pm Saturday.

Manning Bowling Association's pennant competition will continue at various clubs throughout the area on Saturday while there'll be golf at Wingham, Taree and Harrington.